What does having a DSLR have to do with it? A camera is a camera in my opinion.
Work with what you have until you get the chance to upgrade.
I have seen the advice/critiques given to you by others, Some of your statements in the current post don't ring true.
I think you "over-think" photography.

I don't know what anyone else's rationale for not commenting on your image but mine is that I rarely critique anyone else as I'm not sure where my skills match up in order to do so. But Brent, if no one comments on your pic then no one comments. I'd recommend getting over being butt hurt about it.

My input? I like the shot more or less, but find it to be not sharp overall. His hand and cigarette are much crisper than his face, and it's that I find to be more interesting. For me, the focal point is off enough to rate it a "B". Other's might disagree.

The still life  diner setting was an "oh by the way can you photograph the mothers day dinner on the menu tonight?"

luckly I drove my truck to the bar&grill   so I have more than just my camera.
I pulled out  a bamboo window shade  for a backdrop   to cover up a patio table in the back of the beer garden (there was a video game located on the table under the shade.)

I set up a manual speedlight  with a white umbrella    I used my  pop up flash mod  to trigger it via a radio trigger.
I think I took about 10-15 shots
F8   iso400  1/200  speedlight/white umbrella  focal 9mm  @50.5mm on full

May 13 2011 Mother's day dinner at The Rock.
Fresh garden salad.
Steak oscar (Rib-eye topped with bearnaise sauce, asparagus & fresh crab.
Baked potato with butter blend and bacon bits.
Homade bread loaf.
Strawberry peach trifle.

(it was delicious!)

thurs 17th  the bar owner told me she loved the photos I took  and asked my to photograph a motorcycle rally ride against child abuse on Saturday so thats great!
I did a little research  to see what kind of bike shots work  with and withour models  in case that is needed.
I might try a linear panorama (likely to be over 100 bikes)

The most likely  images are  event photography of people in the bar    as well as  getting some photographs of the live band
its quite dark in there  so  to get some good shots  I will have to  employ my speedlight  a YN560  similar in power to the canon  but manual,,  focus and power   #190  and focusable. 
the question for me is  should I use a modifyer  or not  I have an umbrella  and a smaller  8 inch speedlight octobox.


also dont forget that there is a solar eclipse on the west coast  on the 20th sunday.

hehehe   oh   Fri-Sat-Sun  9am-4pm pst    Speedlights 101 workshop with Marc Wallace   on creativelive.com
so im up  this morning to watche the free workshop.  Check it out.